50 Interesting Facts About Edinburgh You Need to Know

Edinburgh, the captivating capital of Scotland, is a city rich in history, culture, and a touch of mystery. Known for its historic castles, festivals, and literary landmarks, Edinburgh is filled with stories waiting to be told. Here are 50 interesting facts about Edinburgh that reveal the many sides of this iconic city.

One of the most interesting facts about Edinburgh is that it hosts the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival every August. 2015, the festival spanned 25 days with an impressive 50,459 performances across 313 venues. The event transforms the city into a bustling cultural hub, drawing artists and audiences from around the globe.

Edinburgh’s population doubled during Fringe, as people gathered to experience performances ranging from theater and comedy to dance and spoken word. The festival contributes over £260 million to Scotland’s economy annually, supporting thousands of jobs and cementing Edinburgh’s status as a global cultural capital.

One of the most fascinating facts about Edinburgh Castle is that it stands on Castle Rock. This extinct volcano erupted around 340 million years ago. This strategic location made it an ideal defensive position throughout history. From the castle, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city. A notable tradition at the castle is the daily firing of the One O’Clock Gun, a cannon shot heard across Edinburgh since 1861, originally used as a time signal for ships on the Firth of Forth. 

Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Despite its name, this famous street is one mile and 107 yards long, earning its name from an ancient Scottish mile. This historic route is lined with shops, pubs, and landmarks, making it a must-visit for tourists and a reflection of Edinburgh’s rich medieval heritage.

Edinburgh established the world’s first municipal fire brigade in 1824 in response to frequent fires in the densely packed tenements. This innovation was necessary due to the city’s unique architecture, where narrow closes and tall wooden structures made fire a constant danger. The pioneering brigade set a model for firefighting services worldwide, and its legacy lives on in Edinburgh’s modern fire services.

Edinburgh boasts 112 parks and over 650,000 trees, giving it more trees per capita than any other UK city. This abundance of green space makes Edinburgh one of the greenest cities in the UK, with picturesque parks like Princes Street Gardens, the Meadows, and Inverleith Park providing locals and visitors with peaceful retreats within the urban landscape.

With more than 4,500 listed buildings, Edinburgh has more protected historic structures than any UK city outside London. Old Town and New Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserving the city’s remarkable medieval and Georgian architecture. This architectural richness reflects Edinburgh’s dedication to preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

Edinburgh’s Waverley Station is the only train station in the world named after a novel. It takes its name from Waverley, a novel by Sir Walter Scott, reflecting the city’s deep literary roots. The station is a bustling hub and a nod to Edinburgh’s proud literary heritage, with Scott’s influence still evident throughout the city.

The world’s oldest English-language encyclopedia, the Encyclopedia Britannica, was first published in Edinburgh in 1768. Conceived by Edinburgh printers and scholars, this groundbreaking work represented a significant step in disseminating knowledge, setting a standard for accuracy and depth that continues to influence reference materials today.

J.K. Rowling wrote much of the Harry Potter series while living in Edinburgh, drawing inspiration from the city’s unique atmosphere. This connection is just one of the interesting facts about Edinburgh that has drawn fans worldwide to the city.

Many locations in Edinburgh, like Greyfriars Kirkyard and Victoria Street, are said to have influenced her depiction of Hogwarts and Diagon Alley. Fans can explore these magical spots through walking tours and visiting the Elephant House Café, where Rowling famously penned parts of the first book.

Edinburgh Zoo is home to Sir Nils Olav, a King Penguin knighted by the Norwegian Guard in 2008. This unique honorary title has made Sir Nils a beloved figure, and he even inspects the Guard during their visits. He is promoted to Brigadier and remains a quirky symbol of friendship between Norway and Scotland.

In Edinburgh, the phrase “You’ll have had your tea?” is a gentle way of avoiding the offer of tea or hospitality. Believed to have originated with 18th-century nobleman Mackintosh of Borlum, who disliked the sound of tea-slurping, this phrase captures the polite reserve often associated with Edinburgh’s traditional culture.

The Stone of Destiny, or Stone of Scone, is an ancient symbol of Scottish and English royalty used in coronations. It’s housed in Edinburgh Castle alongside the crown jewels of Scotland. According to legend, the real stone was secretly swapped with a fake at some point in history, adding an element of intrigue to its story.

Located within the walls of Edinburgh Castle, St. Margaret’s Chapel was built around 1130 in memory of Queen Margaret, who died of a broken heart after her husband’s death. It is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, showcasing early Scottish architecture and serving as a place of quiet reflection amidst the castle’s grandeur.

Perched on Calton Hill, the National Monument was intended to replicate the Parthenon in Athens. However, funding ran out mid-construction, leaving it incomplete. Nicknamed “Edinburgh’s Folly” or “Edinburgh’s Shame”, the monument is now one of the city’s most photographed landmarks and a popular spot for city views.

Edinburgh’s South Bridge Vaults, constructed in the 18th century, initially served as storage spaces and cobbler workshops for local businesses. However, as the years went by, the vaults were abandoned. Eventually, they fell into disrepute, becoming a gathering spot for criminals and those on the fringes of society. Today, the South Bridge Vaults are a mainstay of Edinburgh’s ghost tours, captivating thrill-seekers with stories of their dark past. These vaults are now known as one of the city’s most haunted areas, offering visitors a chilling glimpse into the hidden underworld of Edinburgh.

Before it became the beautiful public park it is today, Princes Street Gardens was Nor Loch, a foul marshland used as a waste dump. The loch was drained in the 18th century to create the lush green space that now sits beneath the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, offering a tranquil escape for residents and visitors alike.

Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top academic institutions. Known for its notable alumni, including Charles Darwin and Alexander Graham Bell, the university’s Old College building is a landmark in its own right, contributing to Edinburgh’s reputation as a city of learning and innovation.

Edinburgh’s history includes some unusual animal tales, with not one but two elephants making their mark on the city. In 1838, the 78th Highlanders brought an elephant back from a campaign in Sri Lanka, making it the official mascot of Edinburgh Castle. This beer-loving elephant quickly became a local legend and remains part of the castle’s quirky history.

Earlier in the 18th century, another elephant found an unconventional home in an apartment in Old Town, thanks to a Dutchman named Abraham Sever. This elephant became a popular spectacle, though the condo below suffered frequent water and dung damage. Edinburgh’s city council humorously allowed this unique arrangement, adding to the city’s collection of eccentric historical anecdotes.

Grassmarket, one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant areas today, is filled with pubs, shops, and bustling activity. However, this lively square has a dark history. Known as “The Killing Time” in the late 17th century, Grassmarket was once the site of public executions, where criminals and political dissenters met their fate on the gallows before large crowds. This grim past has left behind tales of ghostly apparitions, making Grassmarket one of Edinburgh’s most haunted spots. Today, it blends historical intrigue with modern charm, drawing visitors curious about its haunting legacy.

The unicorn, symbolizing purity and strength, is the national animal of Scotland. Statues of unicorns can be found around Edinburgh, symbolizing the nation’s rich mythical heritage and enduring pride in its symbols and legends.

Edinburgh’s landscape, including Castle Rock and the deep valleys around Cowgate, owes much of its dramatic form to glaciers from the last Ice Age. These natural formations add to the city’s striking beauty, creating natural settings for its historic architecture.

In 1437, Edinburgh replaced Scone as Scotland’s capital. Since then, it has served as the country’s political and cultural heart, with the Scottish Parliament, the monarchy, and major institutions rooted in the city’s history and identity.

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its narrow closes and medieval architecture. This recognition highlights the city’s commitment to preserving its historical areas, offering visitors a glimpse into Edinburgh’s rich past.

The Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s most famous street, was historically known as “High Street” and a bustling trade and commerce center. Its name was coined in the 20th century, though locals sometimes still refer to it by its original name.

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, Mary King’s Close is a preserved underground street sealed off during a plague outbreak, trapping an entire world in time. This close was left untouched for centuries, and today, it offers visitors a haunting experience, with rooms and artifacts from the 17th century still intact.

Renowned for its ghostly atmosphere and tales of past residents, Mary King’s Close has become one of Edinburgh’s most famous haunted attractions, drawing visitors intrigued by the city’s dark history and supernatural legends.

With space limited by the old city walls, Edinburghers built upwards, creating towering tenement buildings as high as 14 stories. These early “skyscrapers” housed hundreds, forming a maze of narrow closes that are now an architectural marvel from the medieval period.

Known for its eerie atmosphere, Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of Edinburgh’s most haunted places. The cemetery is also famous for the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years.

The Heart of Midlothian mosaic marks the entrance of the Old Tolbooth prison on the Royal Mile, where condemned prisoners took their last steps. Today, locals spit on the heart for good luck, a tradition tied to the prison’s grim history.

Without proper sewage systems, residents in medieval Edinburgh would dump waste from their windows, shouting “Gardyloo!” as a warning to passersby. This phrase, derived from French, adds to the city’s quirky and unsanitary past.

In 1847, Sir James Young Simpson, a Scottish obstetrician, pioneered chloroform as an anesthetic during surgery, revolutionizing pain management. Edinburgh’s medical advancements have contributed greatly to global healthcare practices.

The iconic clock atop the Balmoral Hotel near Waverley Station runs three minutes fast to help travelers catch their trains on time. This charming feature has become a signature quirk of Edinburgh’s skyline, enhancing the city’s character.

Edinburgh is a haven for food lovers, offering everything from traditional Scottish haggis to fine-dining seafood. The city’s food scene reflects its heritage and modern culinary innovation, drawing in foodies worldwide.

Edinburgh is one of the few cities with two extinct volcanoes: Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat. Both hills offer unique views and are popular spots for locals and tourists, combining nature with Edinburgh’s storied landscape.

Standing over 200 feet tall, the Sir Walter Scott Monument is the world’s tallest monument dedicated to a writer. This impressive Gothic structure on Princes Street honors the literary legacy of one of Scotland’s most famous authors.

The Old Town is known for its labyrinth of narrow alleyways, known as “closes,” that wind between buildings. Each close has its own story, with names like Mary King’s Close, where people were quarantined during the plague, adding a sense of mystery.

Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier, famously guarded his master’s grave for 14 years. Today, his statue near Greyfriars Kirkyard commemorates his loyalty, and visitors often rub his nose for luck.

Designed in the 18th century, the layout of Edinburgh’s New Town was based on the Union Jack flag. This innovative Georgian architecture created wide streets and grand squares, showcasing Edinburgh’s forward-thinking urban planning.

Edinburgh’s New Town introduced residential addresses in 1765, marking the beginning of a formal address system. This innovation made the city a pioneer in modern urban organization, influencing cities worldwide.

In 2004, Edinburgh was designated the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature. It celebrates this title with the annual Edinburgh International Book Festival, welcoming readers, authors, and literary enthusiasts from all over.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, located near Edinburgh Castle, is one of the city’s oldest attractions. Established in 1835, it offers visitors unique optical illusions and views of the city, blending history with entertainment.

Edinburgh’s New Year’s Eve, or Hogmanay, is one of the world’s most famous celebrations. The multi-day event includes torchlight processions, concerts, and fireworks over the castle, attracting visitors from across the globe to ring in the new year.

Since 1817, Edinburgh has been home to The Scotsman, one of Scotland’s most influential newspapers. With over 200 years of history, it remains a trusted source chronicling the country’s history and politics.

Edinburgh is a city that captures the imagination with its rich blend of history, culture, and legends. From ancient architecture and haunted close to literary landmarks and cutting-edge festivals, this city offers countless stories and experiences. These 50 interesting facts about Edinburgh barely scratch the surface of its wonders, highlighting why it remains a beloved destination and a symbol of Scotland’s unique heritage. Whether you’re drawn by its ghosts, festivals, or enchanting landscapes, Edinburgh promises an unforgettable adventure for every visitor.